Division Races Heat Up AMERICAN LEAGUEEastIt looks like the
Tampa Bay Rays are headed to its first postseason in franchise history. With a slim lead over second place
Boston, the Rays look to clinch the Division in the next few weeks. Even though time is running out on the
Yankees, they are still the team to see as the clock ticks down for the House that Ruth Built. Then again, don’t count out the Bronx Bombers just yet. The Wild Card is still up for grabs.
CentralThis one will go down to the wire as the
White Sox and
Twins are almost in a dead heat. It seems that the loser of the Division will have a good shot at the Wild Card, but these two teams don’t want to take chances. The White Sox travel to Minnesota on September 23rd for a three game series which is almost certain to determine the winner.
WestThe
Angels had the Division clinched even before the All-Star break. It’s just a matter of how many games they will win by (as of August 27th, the team had a 16 game lead on second place Texas). Fans will also want to see if Francisco Rodriguez can break the single season saves record held by former pitcher Bobby Thigpen (57).
NATIONAL LEAGUEEastThis is another two-team race between the
Phillies and
Mets. Although the
Marlins still have a shot if the Mets repeat last season’s historic collapse. The loser will have a good chance at the Wild Card, but both teams are hoping the Braves and Nationals play spoilers.
CentralIf Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly keep pitching like they are and Aramis Ramirez and Ryan Theriot keep smashing the ball, the
Cubs will not only win the Division, but they could be a lock for the World Series. Is this the year the curse is broken? The only way to find out is by heading down to Wrigley.
WestThe
Diamondbacks and
Dodgers will certainly take this race to the end of the season. The D’Backs will depend on the Brandons (Webb and Lyon) to carry the pitching load while Mark Reynolds and Orlando Hudson take care of the offense. The Dodgers cannot afford to lose those close games against Division rivals. They must also get dominate starts from Chad Billingsley and Derek Lowe and the acquisition of Manny Ramirez certainly helps their chances of another postseason appearance.